Signification
Expressing uncertainty or possibility.
Contexte culturel
Using 'možda' is a key part of 'domaćin' (host) culture. It's used to avoid saying a harsh 'no' to a guest. In Montenegro, 'možda' is used frequently in the context of 'polako' (slowly), reflecting a relaxed attitude toward time. In Northern Serbia, the tone might be slightly more formal, but 'možda' remains the primary word for uncertainty. In the diaspora, 'možda' is one of the words most frequently retained by second-generation speakers because of its utility.
The Safety Word
If you don't know the answer to a question, just say 'Možda'. It buys you time to think!
Don't over-hedge
Using 'možda' in every sentence can make you sound like you lack confidence. Use it sparingly in professional settings.
Signification
Expressing uncertainty or possibility.
The Safety Word
If you don't know the answer to a question, just say 'Možda'. It buys you time to think!
Don't over-hedge
Using 'možda' in every sentence can make you sound like you lack confidence. Use it sparingly in professional settings.
Pair with 'videćemo'
A very native-sounding combo is 'Možda, videćemo' (Maybe, we'll see).
The Polite No
In Serbia, 'možda' often means 'no, but I'm being nice.' Pay attention to body language!
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'maybe'.
______ ću sutra ići u Beograd.
'Možda' means maybe. 'Mora' means must, and 'Mnogo' means a lot.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'Maybe he is at home'?
Choose the best option:
While 'Možda je on kod kuće' is also good, placing it after the subject/verb is very natural.
Complete the dialogue with a polite 'maybe'.
A: Hoćeš li kafu? B: ______, hvala, pio sam je malopre.
'Možda kasnije' (Maybe later) is a polite way to decline.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are 50% sure it will rain.
'Možda' expresses 50/50 uncertainty.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices______ ću sutra ići u Beograd.
'Možda' means maybe. 'Mora' means must, and 'Mnogo' means a lot.
Choose the best option:
While 'Možda je on kod kuće' is also good, placing it after the subject/verb is very natural.
A: Hoćeš li kafu? B: ______, hvala, pio sam je malopre.
'Možda kasnije' (Maybe later) is a polite way to decline.
You are 50% sure it will rain.
'Možda' expresses 50/50 uncertainty.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral and can be used in any context.
Yes, but it's much more common at the beginning or before the verb.
'Možda' is an adverb (maybe), while 'moguće' is an adjective (possible).
No, it is an unchangeable particle.
You say 'Možda da, možda ne.'
Yes, it is identical in Serbian, Croatian, and Bosnian.
Yes, 'I might go' is translated as 'Možda ću ići'.
This is usually used when making a suggestion, like 'Maybe we should...'
Not really, though in very fast speech the 'a' might be clipped.
Yes, e.g., 'Možda želiš kafu?' (Maybe you want coffee?)
Expressions liées
Moguće je
synonymIt is possible
Valjda
similarHopefully / I suppose
Verovatno
similarProbably
Sigurno
contrastSurely / Certainly
Eventualno
specialized formPossibly / If necessary
